DPP-IV inhibitors: Beyond glycaemic control?

Dipeptidyl-peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors are a new class of oral hypoglycaemic agents recently approved for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Early data suggested that they had a positive impact on the cardiovascular system: treatment appeared to result in improvements in cardiac performance, blood pressure and lipid levels. However, recent clinical findings bring this into question. Our understanding of the physiological actions of these agents is complicated by the fact that DPP-IV has a wide range of substrates in addition to glucagon-like peptide 1. Indeed, DPP-IV inhibition alters concentrations of a wide variety of cytokines and neuropeptides. A deeper understanding of the physiological effects of these drugs as well as their true impact on cardiovascular risk is needed before consideration can be given to extending their use beyond the treatment of diabetes.     

The Brugada syndrome revisited

The Brugada syndrome is a rare but well-defined cause of sudden cardiac death. The key underlying abnormality is a decrease in net depolarising current due to a genetic defect, though recent evidence also implicates structural abnormalities in some patients. Diagnosis requires a Brugada-type ECG as well as typical clinical features: such clinical considerations are currently key in guiding risk stratification and hence management. Whilst pharmacological therapies are under investigation, the only intervention with a robust evidence base remains insertion of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Further research will be required to allow more effective risk stratification and hence more rational therapy.     

Über teratoide Geschwülste in der Leibeshöhle beim Haushuhn

Zusammenfassung In der Leibeshöhle von Hühnern, und zwar fast ausschließlich bei jungen Hähnen, treten umfangreiche Geschwülste auf, die in ihrem Aufbau alle Übergänge vom dreiblättrigen Teratom bis zu krebsartig gebauten Geschwülsten zeigen können. Die Geschwülste haben ihren Sitz in den Hoden, Nieren oder im Bauchfell und nehmen ihren Ausgang vom Cölomepithel des Eingeweidebauchfellsackes.Mit 4 Abbildungen im Text.